Systems and processes for ski boot tightening, loosening, and customization

ABSTRACT

A ski boot adjustment system includes an adjustment mechanism which tightens and loosens a portion of a ski boot, a triggering device that selectively actuates the adjustment mechanism, and a controller that monitors pressure in the portion of the ski boot during operation of the adjustment mechanism. A user can use the triggering device and adjustment mechanism to customize the fit of the ski boot in different regions thereof. The adjustment mechanism can include air bladders, automated motorized straps, or other tightening features. The triggering device can be a manually operated trigger on the ski boot or a remote computing device in wireless communication with the controller, such as a smartphone operable by the user, a transmitter within a ski mat onto which the user steps, or another form of transmitting device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 63/031,331, filed May 28, 2020 and titled SKI BOOTS WITH TIGHTENINGAND LOOSENING TECHNOLOGY AND SYSTEMS/PROCESSES FOR TIGHTENING/LOOSENINGSKI BOOTS AND THE LIKE, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to ski boot devices and adjustmentmechanisms, and more particularly, to ski boot tightening and looseningmechanisms and processes.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional ski boots are tight fitting, difficult to walk in, and havetightening/loosening mechanisms which are cumbersome to operate. A skiboot has a fairly rigid outer structure that helps prevent a skier'sfoot from moving within the ski boot while the skier is skiing. Whenputting on or taking off a ski boot, a skier often needs to forcefullypush or pull his or her foot into or out of the ski boot, and to trydifferent positions (e.g., sitting, standing, and switching betweensitting and standing) while attempting to put on or remove the ski boot.Additionally, mechanical straps used to tighten or loosen the ski boottend to require a lot of force to disengage and/or reset them. The skiergenerally needs to stretch, bend, and manually manipulate the ski bootstraps every time he or she wishes to adjust the fit of the ski boot

While adjustable straps can be manipulated to change the fit of the skiboot, they are sometimes set in a configuration which is either tooloose or too tight for walking or skiing. This can occur when initiallyputting on the ski boot or while skiing as pressure inside the bootchanges. Straps that are too tightly set can cause shin pain when theskier walks around in the ski boots because the shin portion of theouter rigid structure of the boot presses against the skier's shin.Straps that are too loosely set can cause the skier's foot to slidearound within the boot while walking or skiing. Incrementally changingconventional ski boot strap settings to the next highest or lowestsetting to increase or decrease the pressure of the fit of the ski bootabout the skier's foot/leg may inadvertently overlytighten or overlyloosen the ski boot. In other words, the incremental change in the strapmay undershoot or overshoot a skier's desired pressure level. A skierwho is outside and wishes to adjust a ski boot often has to stretch,bend, and manually manipulate these straps while standing on snow, ice,or other slippery surfaces, which can be dangerous. Putting on,removing, and adjusting conventional ski boots can thus be an arduousprocess, whether inside or outside, and particularly for older,handicapped, disabled, and/or injured people with limited flexibilityand range of motion.

Over the course of a day, a skier may need to repeatedly put on,tighten, loosen, and take off ski boots. When temperature and pressurewithin the ski boot change during use, the skier may wish to furthertighten or loosen the ski boot, but may be unable to do so without firsttravelling to the lodge at the ski resort due to frigid temperaturesand/or a lack of outdoor seating. These difficulties can take away fromthe skier's overall enjoyment of skiing, and may dissuade someindividuals from even participating. Improvements are thus needed in theart which simplify the processes of putting on, tightening, loosening,and taking off ski boots, and which provide customized options thatfacilitate easier adjustments, greater flexibility, and make for abetter overall skiing experience.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is not intended to identify or point to essential featuresor limit the scope of the subject matter claimed herein. The presentinvention relates to ski boot adjustment mechanisms and methodologieswith at least the following objectives:

To allow for manual tightening or loosening of ski boots in eitherstanding or sitting positions with minimal application of force andwithout excessive bending or stretching;

To facilitate automated tightening and loosening of ski boots usingdifferent types of tightening and loosening mechanisms;

To provide different types of triggering devices which actuate ski boottightening and loosening mechanisms;

To provide customized tightening and loosening capabilities withindifferent regions of a ski boot;

To allow a skier to instantly reset pressure configurations withindifferent regions of a ski boot;

To allow a skier to modify ski boot pressure using a remote computingdevice; and

To enhance a skier's overall skiing experience with remote triggeringdevices which trigger automatic ski boot tightening and loosening at oradjacent parking lots and ski lodges.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a ski bootadjustment system includes an adjustment mechanism configured to tightenand loosen a portion of a ski boot, at least one triggering deviceconfigured to selectively actuate the adjustment mechanism, and acontroller mounted within the ski boot and configured to monitorpressure in the portion of the ski boot during operation of theadjustment mechanism.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a ski bootadjustment system includes an adjustment mechanism configured to tightenand loosen a portion of a ski boot, and a triggering device configuredto actuate the adjustment mechanism. The triggering device isoperatively disposed in a mat adjacent at least one of an entrance to abuilding or a parking location.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a method fortightening and loosening a ski boot includes setting, by a remotecomputing device in wireless communication with a controller in a skiboot, a trigger which actuates the controller to actuate an adjustmentmechanism in the ski boot that tightens and loosens the ski boot.

Various other objects, advantages, features, and characteristics of thepresent invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions ofrelated structural elements, and the combination of parts and economiesof development and manufacture, will become readily apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the detailed descriptionbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form apart of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this invention,which is set forth with particularity in the claims as appended or assubsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention.Accordingly, a further understanding and a more complete appreciation ofthe present invention and many of the attendant aspects thereof may bereadily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference tothe following detailed description, when considered in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a ski boot adjustment system inaccordance with the invention, including a tightening/looseningmechanism, a triggering device for actuating the tightening/looseningmechanism, and an optional power supply for powering any associatedelectrical and/or mechanical components;

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the ski boot systemof FIG. 1A, showing the triggering device as a remote triggering deviceoutside of the ski boot;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the ski bootadjustment system in accordance with the invention, in which the powersupply is a battery, the tightening/loosening mechanism includes an airbladder equipped with a pump, a release valve, and a pressure sensor,and the triggering device includes manually operable push buttons thatrespectively actuate a pump and a release valve to tighten and loosenthe ski boot about a foot of the skier;

FIG. 3 is a section view of the air bladder of FIG. 2 in a deflatedcondition;

FIG. 4 is a section view of the air bladder of FIG. 2 in an inflatedcondition;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the ski bootadjustment system accordance with the invention, in which thetightening/loosening mechanism includes a plurality of air bladdersdisposed in front, ankle, rear leg, and shin regions of the ski boot andequipped with pressure sensors, automated pumps, automated releasevalves, and gyroscopes, and in which the triggering device is a remotecomputing device in operative communication with thetightening/loosening mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of yet another embodiment of the skiboot adjustment system in accordance with the invention, in which thetightening/loosening mechanism includes motorized/automated adjustablestraps, and the triggering device includes a remote computing device inoperative communication with the motorized/automated adjustable straps;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the operative arrangement of abattery power supply, a controller, and the tightening/looseningmechanism of the ski boot adjustment system of FIG. 5;

FIG, 8 is a schematic diagram showing a remote computing device inoperative communication with a controller that controls a motor to drivea plurality of air pumps, in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 9A-9D are graphical user interfaces of an app operating on theremote computing device, for adjusting pressure within each of thefront, ankle, rear leg, and shin regions of the ski boot adjustmentsystem, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 10A-10B are additional graphical user interfaces of the appoperating on the remote computing device, for resetting pressure withina particular region of a ski boot to a preset pressure, in accordancewith various embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 11A-11D are yet additional graphical user interfaces of the appoperating on the remote computing device, for configuring tightening andloosening actuation triggers based on pre-set skier movements, and forpre-setting various pressure configurations within the ski boot;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the operative arrangement of acontroller, a tightening/loosening mechanism, and a remote triggeringdevice in the form of a mat that a skier can step on to triggertightening or loosening of his or her ski boots, in accordance withvarious embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a skier wearing ski boots havingthe ski boot adjustment system of FIG. 6, showing the remote triggeringmat containing transmitters which communicate with a controller in theski boot to trigger tightening and loosening; and

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a ski resort which utilizes the mat ofFIG. 13 at or adjacent parking lots and/or entrances/exits of a skilodge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The present invention allows a skier to easily tighten, loosen, andcustomize ski boots or snowboard boots with minimal effort, whilestanding or sitting, indoors or outdoors, and with little to nostretching, awkward bending, or pulling. While the invention may beutilized for different types of boots, it is particularly useful forboth ski boots and snowboard boots because these types of boots aretight-fitting during use. Rather than bending and reaching toward skiboots in physically awkward or uncomfortable positions and manuallymanipulating rigidly applied straps, the skier is instead able totighten and/or loosen different sections of his or her ski boots usinglocalized or remote triggers which actuate tightening and looseningmechanisms within the ski boots.

Different types of tightening and loosening mechanisms are utilized,including, for example, inflatable and deflatable air bladders,motorized adjustable straps, and the like. Various types of triggeringmechanisms are also utilized, including, for example, manually operatedpush buttons on the ski boot, an app running on the skier's mobiledevice, a mat the skier can step onto, and particular orientation(s) ormovement(s) of the ski boots which the skier can pre-set. The ski boottightening and loosening devices, techniques, triggering mechanisms, andcontrol features of the invention make skiing and snowboarding easierand more enjoyable for skiers of all ages and abilities.

By equipping the tightening/loosening mechanisms with gyroscopes ormotion sensors in communication with a controller to monitor the skiboot's movement and orientation, the invention provides the skier withthe ability to easily make pressure adjustments by simply moving the skiboot with his or her foot in particular preset motion(s) and/ororientation(s) to trigger tightening and loosening operations. Byutilizing an app running on the skier's mobile device, the skier is ableto individually control and adjust pressure in different regions of theski boot through graphical user interfaces, view data in real-time(e.g., existing pressure readings in the boot and/or pre-set pressureconfigurations), and control different ski boot functionalities. Theskier can make adjustments while skiing throughout the day astemperature and/or pressure conditions change within the ski boot. Theexternal triggering devices such as the step-on mat make it easier forthe skier to loosen or tighten ski boots upon entering or exiting a skilodge, or upon returning to his or her car. By providing skiers with avariety of these customizable options, settings, and techniques to fit,initially configure, adjust, and remove ski boots, the present inventionsimplifies and enhances a skier's skiing and snowboarding experiences.

As schematically shown in FIG. 1A, a ski boot adjustment system 10 inaccordance with the invention includes a tightening/loosening mechanism20 mounted to or within a ski boot 30, and a triggering device 40 foractuating the tightening/loosening mechanism 20. A power supply 50 maybe provided to power various mechanical and electrical devices whichform a portion of or operate in conjunction with tightening/looseningmechanism 20. Power supply 50 may include one or more batteries andassociated circuitry routed within ski boot 30 for connecting powersupply 50 with the various mechanical and electrical devices. As furtherdescribed below, tightening/loosening mechanism 20 is configured totighten and loosen ski boot 30 by changing the pressure applied to askier's foot and/or leg in one or more regions of ski boot 30.

Triggering device 40 is accessible by the skier and operativelyassociated with tightening/loosening mechanism 20. In this manner, theskier can use triggering device 40 to actuate tightening/looseningmechanism 20. As schematically shown in FIG. 1B, in certain embodiments,a remote triggering device 41 may be additionally or alternativelyprovided outside of ski boot 30. Remote triggering device 41 may beconfigured for one-way or two-way communication withtightening/loosening mechanism 20 in ski boot 30. For example, incertain embodiments, remote triggering device 41 may be configured as astandalone device which emits a signal that, when received andinterpreted by tightening/loosening mechanism 20, is used as a triggerfor tightening/loosening mechanism 20. In other embodiments, remotetriggering device 41 may be a standalone remote computing deviceoperable by the skier. The skier can thus utilize remote triggeringdevice 41 to directly or indirectly actuate tightening/looseningmechanism 20 without even touching ski boot 30.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, in one embodiment of the invention, a ski bootadjustment system 100 includes a tightening/loosening. mechanism 120,triggering devices 140 a, 140 b, and optional power supply 150 mountedto a ski boot 130. Ski boot 130 includes a front foot region 112, anankle region 114, a rear leg region 116, a shin region 118, and an outerboot wall or shell 121 made of a sturdy rigid material that encapsulatesboot regions 112, 114, 116, 118. Ski boot 130 also includes a slightlycompressible interior molded portion 122 on an interior side 123 of anouter boot shell 121. Interior molded portion 122 is configured tocontact and flex to conform to a user's leg and foot. Outer boot shell121 and interior molded portion 122 of ski boot may be formed from anysuitable materials known in the art.

Tightening/loosening mechanism 120 includes an air bladder 119 that mayextend around ankle region 114 of ski boot 130 or on one side of ankleregion 114, or be formed as two connected air bladders on opposite sidesof ankle region 114. Air bladder 119 may be disposed between outer shell121 and interior molded portion 122 of ski boot 130, whereby inflationof air bladder 119 is accommodated by slight radially inward movement ofinterior molded portion 122 to increase the volume of air bladder 119from a deflated state (FIG. 3) to an inflated state (FIG. 4). It will beappreciated that as air bladder 119 is inflated, continued airflow intoair bladder 119 will cause interior molded portion 122 to press againstand increase the pressure on a skier's foot or leg. Air bladder 119 maybe constructed in any suitable shape, size, or form, and made from anysuitable material known in the art, such as, for example, thermalpolyurethane.

Triggering devices 140 a, 140 b may be used for respectively inflatingand deflating air bladder 119. Triggering device 140 a may be, forexample, a convex push button of a manually actuated pump 127 fluidlycoupled with an interior chamber 131 of air bladder 119 for pumping airinto air bladder 119 from the deflated state to the inflated state asillustrated in FIGS. 3-4. Pump 127 may extend through outer shell 121,and be used to manually inflate air bladder 119 responsive to repeateddepression of convex push button 140 a by the skier. Pump 127 may beconfigured with a duckbill one-way valve, whereby depression of pushbutton 140 a forces air into interior chamber 131 of air bladder 119,but does not allow air to exit interior chamber 131. Convex push button140 a may be spring biased toward the convex position of FIG. 3, suchthat when the skier releases push button 140 a, it springs back from theconfiguration of FIG. 4 to the configuration of FIG. 3 without allowingair to escape from interior chamber 131 of air bladder 119.

Triggering device 140 b may be a spring-loaded push button of a manuallyactuated release valve 126 for releasing air from interior chamber 131of air bladder 119 to deflate air bladder 119. Push button 140 b allowsa skier to manually deflate (partially or fully) air bladder 119 bypressing and holding push button 140 b to open release valve 126. Pushbutton 140 b may be spring biased toward a closed position such thatwhen the skier releases push button 140 b, release valve 126 reseals airbladder 119 and stops deflation thereof. Manual push button 140 b ofmanually actuated release valve 126 may also function as an override tovarious automated controls for inflation/deflation further describedherein.

As further described below with respect to FIGS. 5-11, automated and/ormotorized pumps and release valves may additionally or alternatively beutilized. Other suitable air bladders, pumps, liners, and air releasevalve assemblies may be utilized in conjunction withtightening/loosening mechanism 120, triggering devices 140 a, 140 h, andpower supply 150 in ski boots and other footwear. Such additional airbladders, pumps, liners, air release valve assemblies, andcommunications therebetween are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,655,050; 6,189,172; 5,987,779; 4,845,338; and 4,712,316, all ofwhich patents are hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties. The features disclosed therein may be used in conjunctionwith various embodiments of the ski boot adjustment systems, triggeringmechanisms, and methodologies described herein.

In certain embodiments, power supply 150 may be provided in the form ofa battery and associated circuitry (not shown) mounted within ski boot130. Tightening/loosening mechanism 120 may include a controller 128 incommunication with a pressure sensor 129 and a light 132. Pressuresensor 129 is mounted within ski boot 130 in operative association withair bladder 119, and is configured to read and communicate the pressurethereof to controller 128. Controller 128 may be configured to actuatelight 132 when measured pressure reading of pressure sensor 129 fallswithin a predetermined/preset range. Battery 150 may supply power tocontroller 128, pressure sensor 129, and light 132. All components maybe mounted internally within ski boot 130 as shown.

During operation, when a skier initially puts on ski boot 130, he or shecan simply unbuckle straps 152, 154, 156, 158 (which can be any type orform of adjustable ski boot strap known in the art), and then press andhold down push button 140 b, which opens release valve 126 and manuallydeflates air bladder 119. The skier can then place his or her foot intoski boot 130, which now easily accommodates the skier's foot. The skierthen reset straps 152, 154, 156, 158 to a particular tightness setting,and fine tunes the pressure setting of the fit by repeatedly depressingconvex push button 140 a of manually actuated pump 127 to inflateinterior chamber 131 of air bladder 119, and/or repeatedly depressingpush button 140 a to deflate interior chamber 131 if the pressure getstoo tight. The skier may repeat these operations until a desired, morefine-tuned pressure level is reached for a given strap setting.Alternatively, the skier can first place his or her foot into ski boot130 with air bladder 119 initially in an inflated condition, and thenrepeat the same process.

It will be appreciated that depending on the size and pressure of airbladder 119 utilized, one or more of straps 152, 154, 156, 158 couldpotentially be eliminated from ski boot 130 as air bladder 119 will helpto maintain the skier's foot stationary with respect to ski boot 130. Itwill also be appreciated that a region of shell 121 of ski boot 130could be used to form the air bladder, and utilize a soft radially innerside rather than a separate air bladder 119 within outer boot shell 121and a separate interior molded portion 122. In other words, in certainembodiments, triggering devices 140 a, 140 b can simply be fluidlycoupled with an interior region of shell 121, and not with an airbladder separate and apart from outer boot shell 121. Over the course ofa day, if ski boot 130 begins to feel too tight or too lose, the skiercan simply press triggering push buttons 140 a, 140 b to inflate ordeflate air bladder 119 to increase or decrease the pressure of the fitof ski boot 130.

In certain embodiments, controller 128 may be included with ski boot130, and programmed to monitor whether pressure readings from pressuresensor 129 fall within a preset range. If the pressure readings fallwithin the preset range, then controller 128 may be configured toactuate light 132 (powered by power source 150) to signal to the skierthat the pressure level is appropriate for skiing. Light 132 may beconfigured to shine in different colors, and be controlled by controller128 to blink and/or show different colors depending on whether thepressure level set by the skier is too high, too low, or within presetacceptable ranges. Controller 128 may be set with these present rangeseither remotely or through one or more mechanical switches (not shown)electrically coupled to controller 128 and disposed on light 132 ormounted on an outer wall of ski boot 130. It will be appreciated thatthis embodiment allows the skier to easily customize and adjust thepressure setting in ski boot 130 without undoing or resetting straps152, 154, 156, 158, and without extensive stretching, bending, orapplication of forces thereto.

Automated Pressure Adjustment

Referring to FIG. 5, in another embodiment of the invention, a ski bootadjustment system 200 includes a tightening/loosening mechanism 220having a plurality of inflatable and deflatable air bladders 224A, 224B,224C, 224D fluidly isolated from one another, and operatively disposedin, respectively, front foot region 212, ankle region 214, rear legregion 216, and shin region 218 of a ski boot 230. Air bladders224A-224D may each be respectively equipped with automated releasevalves 226A, 226B, 226C, 226D for releasing air out of air bladders224A-224D. Manually operated valves 226A′, 226B′, 226C′, 226D′ may alsobe provided, similar to valve 126, for manually deflating air bladders224A, 224B, 224C, 224D.

In certain embodiments, two or more of air bladders 224A-224D may befluidly coupled with one another whereby raising or lowering airpressure in one air bladder raises or lowers the air pressure in theother air bladder(s) fluidly coupled thereto. Air bladders 224A-224D maybe positioned between outer shell 221 and an internal molded portion 222(not shown) of ski boot 200, similar to ski boot 100 as described above.

Tightening/loosening mechanism 220 also includes automated pumps 225A,225B, 225C, 226D, which are operably coupled to automated release valves226A, 226B, 226C, 226D on outer shell 221 of ski boot 230, and used toinflate air bladders 224A-224D in response to various triggers by theskier as further described below. Manually operated pumps similar topump 127 may additionally or alternatively be provided for air bladders224A-224D. Any suitable pumps and air release valve assemblies may beutilized for the air bladders, including those discussed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,655,050; 6,189,172; 5,987,779; 4,845,338; and 4,712,316 asindicated and incorporated by reference above.

Automated pumps 225A, 225B, 225C, 225D may each be equipped with arespective pressure sensor 229A, 22913, 229C, 229D for reading thepressure of the particular air bladder with which the pump isassociated. A controller or circuit board 228 is mounted to or disposedwithin outer shell 221 of ski boot 230 or in an interior portion of skiboot 230. Controller 228 is in operative communication with pumps225A-225D and valves 226A-226D. Ski boot 230 may also include one ormore motion sensors and/or gyroscopes G1, G2, G3, G4 mounted to orwithin outer shell 221, or within an interior portion of ski boot 230.

Gyroscopes G1-G4 may be wired to or communicate wirelessly withcontroller/circuit board 228. A combination and light sensor 232 may beprovided in front foot region 212 of ski boot 230, and powered by abattery 250 disposed near controller/circuit board 228. Battery 250 mayalso power automated pumps 225A, 225B, 225C, 225D and motion sensors orgyroscopes G1-G4, Gyroscopes G1-G4 may utilize one or more knowngyroscope technologies and/or accelerometer technologies, and be used todetect particular motions of ski boot 230 and output readings of suchmotions to controller 228. Controller 228, based on the inputs fromgyroscopes G1-G4, can be configured to determine whether or not themotions are consistent with pre-set motion configurations, and thusindicative of an intention by the skier to inflate, deflate, or modify apressure level of one or more of air bladders 224A-224D prior to,during, or after skiing.

The particular motion sensors/gyroscopes, accelerometers, pressuresensors, controllers, and remote computing devices disclosed herein andthe particular means of communication (e.g., electronic, wireless,Bluetooth, etc.) therebetween may be accomplished using any suitabletechnologies known in the art, including, for example, those discussedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,968,840; 10,401,243; 8,784,350; and 7,771,371; andU.S. Patent Pub. Nos. 2018/0199669 and 2018/0289096, all of whichpatents and patent publications are hereby incorporated by referenceherein in their entireties. Such features may also be used inconjunction with various embodiments of the invention described herein.

Ski boot 230 is thus configured to allow a skier to inflate or deflatehis or her ski boots 230 without having to reach down and manuallymodify outer straps 252, 254, 256, 258 of ski boots 230 or press pushbuttons associated with pumps and valves. Instead, the skier can simplymove his or her foot to a particular inflation orientation (e.g., withski boot 230 tilted upward such that front foot region 212 points towardthe skier's shin), and hold that configuration for a predeterminedperiod of time. Once the predetermined period of time has elapsed withski boot 230 held in the inflation orientation (as indicated by variousof motion sensors/gyroscopes G1-G4), controller 228 can instructautomated pumps 225A, 225B, 225C, 225D to begin further inflation of oneor more air bladders 224A-224D.

If the skier moves ski boot 230 away from the inflation orientationduring the inflation, then controller 228 can be configured to instructpumps 225A-225D to cease inflation, and to reset a timer to checkwhether or not the skier is signaling additional instructions furtherinflation or deflation). Alternatively, the skier can move ski boot 230to a particular deflation orientation, such as one where ski boot 230 istilted downward with front foot region 212 pointing away from (e.g.,relatively parallel to) the skier's shin. Once the predetermined periodof time has elapsed with ski boot 230 held in the deflationconfiguration, controller 228 can instruct one or more of valves226A-226D to open to deflate air bladders 224A-224D.

Controller 228 may additionally or alternatively be configured to sensewhen the skier instructs inflation or deflation by moving ski boot 230through pre-set motions. By way of example, an inflation movement may bea clockwise circular motion of ski boot 230 for a predetermined periodof time, such as 3 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or up to 30 seconds.Other time periods may be utilized. Similarly, a deflation movement maybe a counter-clockwise motion of ski boot 230 for a predetermined periodof time. Once the skier has moved ski boot 230 in a clockwise motion forthe predetermined period of time, controller 228 can instruct pumps225A-225D to inflate. When the skier ceases the clockwise inflationmotion, controller 228 can instruct pumps 225A-225D to cease inflation.

In accordance with certain embodiments, communication ofcontroller/circuit board 228 with valves 226A-226D, pumps 225A-225D(P1-P4), pressure sensors 229A-229D (PS1-PS4), motion sensors/gyroscopesand light/light sensor 232 may be accomplished in accordance with theschematic illustration of FIG. 7. As shown, controller 228 receivesinputs from motions sensors/gyroscopes G1-G4 disposed on or about frontfoot region 212, ankle region 214, rear leg region 216, and/or shinregion 218 (FIG. 5), as well as from light 232 and pressure sensors229A, 229B, 229C, 229D (PS1-PS4). Based on these inputs, controller 228determines whether to operate pumps P1-P4, valves 226A-226D, and/orlight 232 As described above, controller 228 preferably includes a timerfor use in conjunction with inputs from motion sensors/gyroscopes G1-G4to determine the time periods (e.g., the relatively continuous timeperiods frogs start to finish) associated with particular configurationsor motions as the skier moves ski boot 230.

It will be appreciated that the pre-set orientations and motions of skiboot 230 associated with inflation and deflation are preferablyorientations and motions not typically using while skiing or performingskiing related activities (e.g., skiing downhill, uphill, orhorizontally, riding a chairlift, swinging legs on a chairlift, sittingdown on a ski slope, falling down while skiing, walking, etc.), so thatthe skier does not inadvertently trigger inflation or deflation of skiboot 230, and only triggers inflation or deflation when intended.

One way to ensure that controller 228 correctly understands a skier'sspecific intention to inflate or deflate the air bladders (e.g., so asnot to falsely inflate or deflate) is to set a relatively large timeperiod (e.g., ten to fifteen seconds or thirty seconds) for holding aparticular orientation of the ski boot 230, and/or requiring that theski boot 230 be moved through one or more unusual motions as the triggerfor starting inflation or deflation. For example, rapidly turning theski boot 230 clockwise, then counterclockwise, and then repeating theseintermittent clockwise and counterclockwise motions for a predeterminedperiod of time, may signal to controller 228 an intention to inflate ordeflate the air bladders. Other orientations and motions may beutilized.

Motion sensors/gyroscopes G1-G4 and controller 228 may be configured todetect rapid and/or repeating accelerations (speed and/or directionalchanges), whereby the controller 228 can ascertain an intention by theskier to inflate or deflate based on the unusual motions of the ski boot230. Exemplary motions detected by motion sensors/gyroscopes G1-G4 mayinclude, for example, leg lifts, relative movements of the front footregion 212, ankle region 214, rear leg region 216, and shin region 218,tapping together two of such ski boots in rapid succession, etc. It willbe appreciated that configurations may also be utilized where theorientations and/or movements of the ski boots relative to one anothermay be utilized to trigger tightening or loosening thereof. In otherembodiments (further discussed below with respect to FIGS. 11A-11B), theskier may be able to set or customize the particular orientations andmotions associated with inflation and deflation during an initial setup.

Controller 228 may also be configured to prevent loosening (e.g., tokeep air bladders 224A, 224B, 224C, 224D inflated to at least a certainlevel) if ski boot 230 is locked into a ski binding, regardless of theorientation of ski boot 230 or movement instruction by the skier. Insuch embodiments, once ski boot 230 is unlocked from the ski binding,deflation may be allowed. Such configurations of controller 228 wouldprevent inadvertent loosening of ski boot 230 while the skier is on achairlift or in another seated position, and/or when a skierinadvertently makes an inflation or deflation motion or orientation withski boot 230 in any other location. Controller 228 may also be wired toa switch 270 on the exterior of boot 230 to enable a skier to manuallyturn on and off automated inflation and deflation control by controller228. Other manual overrides may be utilized, such as a child safetyswitch.

Light/light sensor 232 may be configured as an LED or other form oflight, visible or invisible, with or without light sensing capability,and may be emitted from a portion of front foot region 212. Controller228 may be configured to monitor inputs from light/light sensor 232. Forexample, if light 232 is covered for a predetermined period of time,such as by the skier placing front foot region 212 of ski boot 230 intosnow, then light 232 may signal controller 228 that inflation ordeflation is desired. Light/light sensor 232 can also function toprovide visibility to the skier when skiing at night.

Mobile App for Controlling Ski Boot

As shown in FIG. 8, in certain embodiments, controller 228 may beconfigured in communication with a motor (M) for powering pumps P1-P4,and/or with a remote triggering device such as a wireless remotecomputing device 236. Wireless remote computing device 236 may be a cellphone, a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch, or any other form of remotecomputing device. In such embodiments, the skier can control controller228 in ski boot 230 through a graphical user interface and/or through amechanical button, knob, or the like on wireless computing device 236 toinflate or deflate one or more of air bladders 224A-224D. Wirelesscomputing device 236 may include an app 238 launched from a home screenof wireless computing device 236 that provides various interactivegraphical user interfaces and graphical displays to enable a skier toperform the various functionalities and methodologies associated withski boot 230 as described herein.

Wireless computing device 236 and app 238 may be operatively associatedwith not only ski boot 230, but also other systems (e.g., other wirelessnetworks) through a combination of hardware and software that operate onwireless computing device 236. App 238 may comprise preprogrammedfeatures combined and integrated with components in other networks,including but not limited to, one or more servers, databases, mobile endapplications, web portals, network settings, etc. For example, if skiboot 230 is rented, then app 238 may communicate with a ski lodgecomputer system configured to track pressure adjustments made by theskier to ski boot 230. In this manner, data may be collected regardingthe skier's foot size, the particular ski boot used, and the adjustmentsmade thereto by the skier.

This data may be analyzed to determine whether any of the air bladdersare malfunctioning, and/or to ascertain common pressure settings orranges that are most comfortable to skiers of a particular foot sizeusing a particular ski boot size. Such pressure ranges can be programmedinto controller 228 and used to output a light to the skier when thepressure in ski boot 230 is in range as described above with respect tocontroller 128 and light 132 (FIG. 2). Repeated adjustments by a numberof skiers who rent a particular ski boot over the course of a couple ofdays or weeks may also provide data indicative of air bladder functionor malfunction.

Location Tracking

Wireless remote computing device 236 may also be equipped with locationtracking capability (e.g., UPS technology). App 238 may thus also beconfigured to utilize such location tracking to continuously communicatelocation information to controller 228, whereby controller 228 canascertain, with or without inputs from motions sensors/gyroscopes G1-G4,whether or not the skier is skiing or stationary, on or off a chairlift,etc. Wireless computing device 236 can provide various of the ski boot230 functionalities described herein through one or more user interfacesvia a website and/or the mobile app 238, It will be appreciated thatcomputer program instructions used by wireless computing device 236and/or app 238 may include computer executable code in one of a varietyof languages, including C, C++, Java, JavaScript, and the like.

Graphical User Interfaces for Pressure Customization

Various electronic/graphical user interfaces of app 238 may be used onwireless computing device 236 to accomplish numerous methodologies ofApplicant's ski boot 230. When app 238 is launched, one graphical userinterface may allow the skier to select one of the four air bladders224A-224D or the light 232 by selecting one or more of pushbuttons‘VB1,’ ‘VB2,’ ‘VB3,’ ‘VB4,’ or ‘light’ (FIG. 9A). VB1, VB3, and VB4correspond to air bladder 224A and valve 226A (for air bladder #1), airbladder 224B and valve 226B (for air bladder #2), air bladder 224C andvalve 226C (for air bladder #3), and air bladder 224D and valve 226D(for air bladder #4) as depicted in FIG. 5. If a skier believes, forexample, that pressure in front foot region 212 of ski boot 230 is tootight, then the skier may select VB1 in FIG. 9A, The current pressure inthis air bladder is then displayed on-screen, along with options toraise or lower the current pressure as shown in FIG. 9B.

Once the skier selects the ‘Lower’ pushbutton, the skier may then bepresented with a downward pointing arrow and a pressure reading whichchanges as the skier taps or holds the downward pointing arrow on-screen(FIG. 9C). When the skier ceases holding or tapping the arrow, thenwireless device 236 may display the graphical user interface shown inFIG. 9D, which allows the skier to accept or decline the new pressure orcancel the action. Once the new pressure is set by the skier, app 238,via wireless device 236, may then communicate with and provide the newpressure setting to controller 228. Controller 228 may then lower thepressure in air bladder 224A by controlling valve 226A to open untilpressure readings from the pressure sensor 229A match the new pressuresetting (FIG. 9D). It will be appreciated that app 238 may be configuredto allow the skier to select one of the two ski boots 230 he or she iswearing (e.g., the left or the right), or both boots simultaneously,prior to entering the user interfaces of FIGS. 9A-9D.

Alternatively, app 238 may communicate with controller 228 duringdisplay of the graphical user interface of FIG. 9C, prior to the skierceasing tapping or holding down the arrow or other electronicpushbutton. In this manner, pressure adjustments may be made in realtime while the skier taps or holds the arrow in FIG. 9C. These real-timepressure changes may be displayed on-screen in FIG, 9C, and the newpressure setting may be affirmed in the graphical user interface of FIG.9D. It will be appreciated that this methodology enables a skier toeasily adjust his or her ski boot 230 using graphical user interfacesavailable at his or her fingertips, and that such adjustments may bemade at any time, and without any physical transitions or relocations(e.g., without having to transition from an outdoor location to anindoor location, without having to remove clothing or boots, withouthaving to sit, etc).

Graphical User Interfaces for Customizing Pressure &Tightening/Loosening Protocols

Referring to FIGS. 10A-10B, app 238 may also be configured to providethe skier with a graphical user interface that allows for selection ofone or more preset pressures, including the original pressure of an airbladder, a first preset pressure, or a second preset pressure. In thisexample, the skier has selected “Reset To Preset Pressure #2” (FIG.110A), and is then presented with a confirmation in a new graphical userinterface (FIG. 10B). The skier is asked whether the pressure is toohigh or low, A ‘home’ button is also provided, which may bring the skierback to one of the initial graphical displays. If the skier were toselect the ‘Pressure too high/low?’ button in FIG. 10B, then app 238 mayalso present the graphical user interface of FIG. 9A where the user canselect VB1 again.

In certain embodiments, app 238 may be configured to allow the skier topersonally program controller 228 with the particular options ororientations of ski boot 230 the skier desires to correspond to theinflation and/or deflation instruction. As shown in FIG. 11A, app 238may display a ‘Loosen Setup’ graphical user interface. The skier mayselect the ‘Start’ pushbutton, move ski boot 230 to a desiredorientation, hold ski boot 230 in the desired orientation for aparticular time period, and then press the ‘End’ pushbutton.Alternatively, the skier may move ski boot 230 in a particular motionthat he or she would like to use to loosen ski boot 230, and then pressthe ‘End’ pushbutton.

It will be appreciated that during such initial setup or during generaloperation of app 238, input configuration signals received by controller228 (e.g., from motion sensors/gyroscopes G1-G4, light/light sensor 232,and pressure sensors 229A-229D) may be transmitted from controller 228to wireless device 236, whereby information associated with the signalsmay be stored and processed on wireless device 236 or another system ordatabase in operative communication with app 238. In this manner, app238 can configure wireless computing device 236 to function as a maincontroller which controls controller 228. Controller 228, onceinstructed by wireless computing device 236, may function to actuateinflation and/or deflation as described herein.

It will also be appreciated that various modules of systems, platforms,and methodologies described herein may be implemented using theinterfacing mobile app 238 on an internet enabled mobile device'soperating system, such as, for example, Android, iOS, or Windows PhoneOS, and in part by using a web interface, and that different types ofusers may utilize different functionalities.

Continuing with FIG. 11B, app 238 may also display a ‘Tighten Setup’graphical user interface. The skier may select the ‘Start’ pushbutton,move ski boot 230 to a desired orientation, hold the desired orientationfor a particular time period (or move ski boot 230 through desiredmotion(s) for a particular time period), and then press the ‘End’pushbutton.

Using these user interfaces and methodologies of FIGS. 11A-11B, a skiermay set up his or her own tightening and loosening procedures, andessentially use motions or orientations of ski boot 230 which the skierwill remember. Moreover, if a skier has limited mobility, then suchfunctionality will enable the skier to choose a particular range ofmotion of ski boot 230 which the skier can easily perform, or aparticular orientation of ski boot 230 which the skier can easily holdfor the predetermined period of time.

In certain embodiments, a skier may additionally or alternatively selectfrom one or more pre-set configurations for each of air bladders VB1-VB4(FIGS. 11C-11D). In other words, configuration #1 may be a pre-setpressure amount for air bladder 224A (VB1) once the skier's foot isinside ski boot 230, configuration #2 may be a pre-set pressure amountfor air bladder 224B (VB2), etc. Alternatively, each configuration mayinclude a pre-set pressure assigned for all of the air bladders once theskier's foot is inside ski boot 230.

In certain embodiments, if the skier makes an adjustment to one ofstraps 252, 254, 256, 258 which he or she feels makes a region of skiboot 230 too tight, then the skier may utilize the pre-set configurationbuttons to release air inside one or more of air bladders 224A-224Duntil the pressure inside the particular air bladders reaches thepressure initially set by the skier with one or more of the straps 252,254, 256, 258 in a looser configuration. In other words, air bladders224A-224D can be adjusted by controller 228 to offset pressure changesmade by changes to outer strap settings (e.g., to increase or decreasepressure in the air bladders 224A-224D to return the pressure therein towhat it was previously prior to the outer strap adjustment).

Alternative Triggering Devices

In accordance with certain embodiments, alternative or additionaltriggering or setting devices may be utilized in conjunction withApplicant's invention to trigger inflation or deflation of ski boot 230.As schematically illustrated in FIG. 12, the remote triggering devicemay be a mat 336 (with or without a remote computing device or app) indirect communication with controller 228 to inflate or deflate ski boot230. Mat 336 may be placed, for example, in a walkway leading up to adoor of a ski lodge, or inside the ski lodge, and equipped with atransmitter in communication with controller 228. In this manner,controller 228 and/or mat 336 may be configured to sense when ski boot230 is on or within a certain distance (e.g., several feet) of mat 336.Mat 336 may emit electro-magnetic radiation detected by circuitry withinski boot 230 and signaled to controller 228. Exemplary circuitry of amat which transmits a signal to a particular area, and receipt of thesignal by another electronic unit, is shown, for example, in U.S. Pat.No. 5,239,284, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety. Any other suitable communication means between mat 336 andcontroller 228 in ski boot 230 may be utilized. Additionally oralternatively, in certain embodiments, a transmitter in mat 336 maycommunicate with the skier's wireless computing device 236, which inturn may communicate with controller 228 in ski boot 230 to effectinflation or deflation as described above.

Alternative Tightening Mechanism

It will be appreciated that various types of tightening/looseningmechanisms, triggering devices, controllers, remote triggering devices,pressure sensors, motion sensors/gyroscopes, release valves, and so onmay be utilized in conjunction with the various systems andmethodologies of the invention described herein. By way of example, asshown in FIG. 6, in yet another embodiment of the invention, a ski bootadjustment system 400 has a tightening/loosening mechanism 420 thatincludes one or more automated/motorized adjustable straps 452, 454operatively disposed in, respectively, shin region 418 and front footregion 412 of a ski boot 430. Motorized adjustable straps 452, 454 caninclude tread portions 453, 455 which coil at least partially aroundshin region 418 and foot region 412, and are fed through ratchetmechanisms 457, 459 to tighten and loosen shin region 418 and footregion 412. Motorized adjustable straps 452, 454 may be fixed by metalor plastic end brackets 460, 462 mounted to outer shell 421 of ski boot430, and driven at opposite ends thereof by motors 470, 472, alsomounted to outer shell 421 of ski boot 430, through ratchet mechanisms457, 459 for tightening/loosening. Alternatively, straps 452, 455 may befree at opposite ends thereof, coil completely around shin region 418and foot region 412, and simply overlap in a rear region of ski boot430, whereby translation of the straps in one direction tightens andtranslation in an opposite direction loosens.

Tightening/loosening, mechanism 420 also includes a controller 428operably coupled to motors 470, 470, pressure sensors 429A, 429B at shinregion 418 and foot region 412, as well as gyroscopes 474, 476. A remotecomputing device 436 may be provided as a remote triggering device, andconfigured for communication with controller 428, via use of an app asdescribed above, to control actuation of tightening/loosening mechanism420. A skier can thus perform all aspects of tightening and looseningdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 5 and 7-11, except that thetightening/loosening mechanism uses adjustable straps rather than airbladders, valves, and pumps.

Referring to FIGS. 12-13, when a skier steps on mat 336 with ski boot430, controller 428 may receive an input based on a sensed signal fromone or more transmitters 370 in mat 336, and may proceed to actuate oneor more of straps 452, 455. Similarly, when a skier steps on mat 336with ski boot 230 (FIG. 5), controller 228 may receive an input based ona sensed signal from transmitters 370 and proceed to actuate airbladders 224A-224D to loosen ski boot 230. In other embodiments, variousski boot orientations and/or motions may be required while the skier isstanding on mat 336 to cause controller 228 to deflate ski boot 230.Such boot orientations or motions may include, for example, quicklystomping on mat 336 for a predetermined number of times over apredetermined time period (e.g., 1-5 seconds), sliding boot 230 alongmat 336, tapping ankle region 214 of ski boot 230 on mat 336, etc.

Controller 228 may alternatively be configured to inflate or deflate skiboot 230 if the skier steps on mat 336 and remains stationary on mat 336for a predetermined period of time, thus signaling a desire to inflateor deflate. If air bladders 224A-224D are below a particular pressurethreshold (as sensed by pressure sensors 229A-229D in ski boot 230communicating with controller 228), then maintaining ski boot 230stationary on mat 336 may signal controller 228 to trigger inflation ofthe air bladders 224A-224D. Conversely, if air bladders 224A-224D areabove a particular pressure threshold, then maintaining ski boot 230stationary on mat 336 may signal controller 228 to trigger deflation ofthe air bladders 224A-224D. Such functionality may be reset by steppingon and off mat 336.

Mat 336 may also be used to trigger inflation of ski boot 230 if theskier is leaving a ski lodge to ski. It will be appreciated thatmethodologies similar to those described above may be employed so thatunintentional inflation or deflation do not occur when the skier issimply stepping onto, over, or walking across mat 336. Mat 336 mayinclude pressure or light sensors 342 which sense when ski boot 230 ison mat 336, and transmit a signal in response to sensing ski boot 230for a predetermined period of time at or about a location on mat 336.Thus, mat 336 may be configured to selectively transmit such signal inorder to save power.

Referring to FIG. 14, a ski lodge area 500 is schematically illustratedalong with a plurality of mats 536A, 536B, 536C, 536D, 536E which aresimilar or identical to mat 336, and arranged outside a ski lodge 502.Mats 536A-536E are strategically placed adjacent ski staging areas 552A,552B (where skiers leave their skis or snowboard equipment prior toentering ski lodge 502), and adjacent parking areas 554A, 554B. It willbe appreciated that skiers entering or exiting ski lodge 502 may usemats 536C, 536D, 536E to inflate or deflate the various ski bootsdescribed above (e.g., ski boot 230) in the manner described above. Mats536A, 536B may be utilized by skiers to inflate or deflate ski boot 230when the skiers arrive or leave by car.

The following is an example of a skier using exemplary methodologies ofthe embodiments of FIGS. 12-14, as well as various devices, systems, andmethodologies of FIGS. 1A-11D, over the course of a day of skiing. Askier arrives at a ski resort or ski lodge area 500 in car 555 (FIG. 14)and puts on ski boots 230 (FIG. 5) at car 555. The skier rotates skiboots 230, now on her feet, in alternately clockwise andcounterclockwise directions for five seconds. Ski boots 230 tighten asair bladders 224A, 224B, 224C, 224D automatically inflate in accordancewith this previously set inflation motion (e.g., by the skier the lasttime she skied).

The skier then snaps tightened ski boots 230 into the bindings of a pairof skis, and skis on relatively flat ground toward ski lodge 502,perhaps carrying her purse, ski pants, and/or other belongings. As shearrives at ski lodge 502, the skier stops, takes off her skis, leavesthem at staging area 552A, steps onto mat 536C, and maintains ski boots230 stationary for five seconds on mat 536C. This causes ski boots 230to loosen as air bladders 224A, 224B, 224C, 224D deflate in accordancewith this previously set deflation protocol when controller 228 sensesboot 230 on or adjacent mat 536C in a tightened condition. The skierthen walks into ski lodge 502. with loosened ski boots 203. She thenexits ski lodge 502 and checks on her skis at staging area 552A. As shewalks out of ski lodge 502, she once again steps onto mat 536C, butbecause she does not keep ski boots 203 stationary on mat 536C for fiveseconds, ski boots 203 do not tighten. It will be appreciated thatcontroller 228 may be configured to either tighten or loosen ski boots203 when the skier remains stationary on mat 536C depending on thecurrent state (e.g., loosened or tightened) of ski boot 203.

The skier then reenters ski lodge 502 without pausing for five secondson mat 536, so her ski boots 203 again remain loose. Once inside skilodge 502, she takes off her ski boots and changes into her ski pants,leaves personal belongings in a locker, and purchases a lift ticket. Sheputs her ski boots 203 back on in an untightened state (e.g., with theair bladders still deflated). Using her mobile device 236, she launchesapp 238 and resets the loosening and tightening setups for ski boots 230(FIGS. 11A-11B).

In particular, the skier changes the tightening set-up so that insteadof moving ski boot 203 in alternately clockwise and counterclockwisedirections to tighten ski boot 203 (e.g., like she did to tighten themat her car 555), rapid and repeated stomping of ski boot 203 for fiveseconds will inflate or further inflate air bladders 224A 224D.Additionally, she changes the loosening set-up such that pointing skiboots 203 toward one another and swinging them in an arcuate motion(e.g., while sitting) will deflate them. She picks this motion andorientation for loosening because she has a personal preference that skiboots 203 not loosen due to any movements she makes while she isstanding, unless she is standing on one of the mats. She also selectspreset configuration 41 for the air pressure in airbladders 224A-224D(See FIGS. 11C-11D).

As she steps outside to go skiing, she once again steps onto mat 536C,but this time, she keeps ski boots 203 stationary on mat 536C for fiveseconds. Ski boots 203 automatically tighten to the pressurecorresponding to configuration #1 (e.g., controller 228, sensing boththe signal emitted by mat 526C for five seconds and the pressure sensorsindicating that her skis are in a loosened condition, triggerstightening to the pressure of configuration #1). She then decides totest her customized setup, steps on mat 536C again, and waits for fiveseconds while remaining stationary. Ski boots 230 loosen. She thenstomps each ski boot 230 for five seconds, either on or off of mat 536C,and they each tighten to the pressure of configuration #1. She thenpicks up her skis from staging area 552A, steps into her skis with boots203 still in a tightened configuration #1, and heads toward a ski lift.

After a couple hours of skiing, temperature and pressure conditionswithin her ski boots 203 have slightly changed. She begins to feel thatpressure in shin region 218 of boot 203 is too tight, so while stilloutside, she launches app 238 on mobile device 236, selects VB4 (FIG.9A), and lowers the pressure in this region in accordance with themethodologies discussed above with respect to FIGS. 9A-9D.

After another hour of skiing, the skier decides to take a break, andonce again approaches ski lodge 502, but this time in the vicinity ofmat 536E. She takes off her skis, steps onto mat 536E, and her ski boots203 loosen. She leaves her skis at staging area 552B and walks into skilodge 502. The skier then decides that she would like to leave for theday. She gathers her belongings, exits ski lodge 502, steps onto one ofmats 536C-536E, and waits five seconds. Her ski boots 203 tighten. Shethen retrieves her ski equipment from staging area 552B, puts them on,and skis toward her car 555 at parking area 554A while carrying herbelongings. Upon arrival at her car 555, she sits in the driver's seatof the car with her legs outstretched, places the boots 203 together,and moves them together in an arcuate motion (her new customizedloosening motion which she has not yet had to use due to use of the matsto achieve the same purpose). The ski boots 203 loosen. She removes themand changes into other footwear for the drive home.

It will be appreciated that the customizations and options the skier canutilize in these methodologies make the entire day of skiing mucheasier, particularly for skiers who are older, handicapped, disabled,and/or have injuries or limited flexibility. Even simply using the skiboots described herein with the mats described herein, without operatinga remote computing device, saves the skier steps and makestightening/loosening much easier. Once the ski boots are on, the skiercan make adjustments without sitting down or adjusting the outer straps.The ski boots, tightening/loosening mechanisms, triggering devices, andmethodologies described herein also allow a skier to easily tighten andloosen multiple areas of his or her ski boots at any time, withoutremoving clothing, without having to walk indoors or sit down, andwithout having to bend, stretch, or take off her boots. The triggeringmechanisms and methodologies disclosed herein greatly enhance theskier's overall skiing or snowboarding experience, and provide far morecustomization and control.

It will be appreciated that the various systems, devices, andmethodologies disclosed herein can be useful to additional users. Forexample, a second or third party such as a ski instructor or a personwho is simply renting out ski equipment to the skier may be providedwith access to the skier's boots and setup via the second or thirdparty's own remote computing device. This can facilitate initial setupof the skier's ski boots and/or assisting the skier with subsequentchanges in settings if needed. It will also be appreciated that whilethe technologies and methodologies described herein are described withrespect o skiing and/or snowboarding, they may also be used for othertypes of footwear and activities, including, for example, hiking boots,snow boots, and the like. While particular technologies have beendisclosed for tightening/loosening (e.g., air bladders and motorizedadjustable straps) and for triggering tightening/loosening (e.g., pushbuttons, remote computing devices, and mats), other triggering devicesmay be utilized.

As described herein, the present invention relates to multipleembodiments of ski boots and variations thereof. However, such “skiboots” may be employed for other purposes, as appropriate, such as forsnowboarding and other activities, as mentioned herein. Beyond, skiing,snowboarding, and hiking, the present invention may be applied and usedin many other forms of activity. Accordingly, the term “ski boot” asused herein (and like terms used herein) means sturdy footwear thatcovers the foot and that may cover the wearer's ankle and portions ofthe wearer's leg. The ski boot in certain embodiments includes suitablehardware to attach to a ski. In other embodiments, the ski boot includeshardware to attach to a snowboard. In yet other embodiments, the skiboot includes hardware to attach to other sport-related equipment. Stillyet, in another embodiments, the ski boot includes (or is attachable to)blades (i.e., to be used as ice skates), wheels (i.e., to be used asrollerskates), or other known devices. In certain embodiments, the skiboot is not attached or attachable to other devices (e.g., to be used ashiking boots, work boots, etc.). Since the various types of hardwarethat are employed within ski boots, snowboarding boo skates, etc., thatconnect (either permanently or temporarily) to other equipment orcomponents, such as a ski, a snowboard, etc., are well known,descriptions of such other hardware and connection techniques are notprovided herein.

The present disclosure is thus not intended to be limited to thespecific terminology selected, and it will be understood that eachspecific element referenced includes all technical equivalents whichoperate in a similar manner. However, techniques, methods, systems, andoperating structures in accordance with the invention may be embodied ina wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite differentfrom those in the disclosed embodiments. Consequently, the specificstructural, functional and step-by-step details disclosed herein aremerely representative. The embodiments herein are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice theembodiments, and it is to be understood that logical, mechanical, andother changes may be made without departing from the scope of theembodiments. The detailed description disclosed herein is therefore notto be taken in a limiting sense.

Each step in methodologies disclosed herein may contain one or moresub-steps. For purposes of illustration, these steps, as well as allother steps identified and described, are presented in a certain logicalorder. However, it will be appreciated that any exemplary embodimentsdescribed herein can contain an alternate order of the steps adapted toa particular application of a technique disclosed, and that anyvariations and/or modifications are intended to fall within the scope ofthe invention. The depiction and description of steps in any particularorder is not intended to exclude embodiments having the steps in adifferent order, unless required by a particular application, explicitlystated, or otherwise clear from the context.

It will be understood that the above-described embodiments andarrangements are merely illustrative of the many possible specificembodiments which represent applications of the present invention, andthat numerous and varied other arrangements and configurations can bereadily devised without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention and equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A ski boot adjustment system, comprising: anadjustment mechanism configured to tighten and loosen a portion of a skiboot; at least one triggering device configured to selectively actuatethe adjustment mechanism; and a controller mounted within the ski bootand configured to monitor pressure in the portion of the ski boot duringoperation of the adjustment mechanism.
 2. A ski boot adjustment systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a pressure sensor mountedwithin the portion of the ski boot in communication with the controller,wherein the pressure sensor outputs a pressure reading corresponding toa pressure level in the portion of the ski boot, and the controller isconfigured to receive the pressure reading and output a signal when thepressure reading falls within a predetermined range.
 3. A ski bootadjustment system according to claim 2, further comprising a lightmounted within an exterior wall of the ski boot, wherein the outputsignal of the controller actuates the light.
 4. A ski boot adjustmentsystem according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism includesan air bladder in the ski boot and the triggering device is manuallyoperable and mechanically coupled to the air bladder.
 5. A ski bootadjustment system according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanismincludes a plurality of air bladders disposed within different interiorregions of the ski boot, at least one pump for inflating the pluralityof air bladders, at least one valve for deflating the plurality of airbladders, and a plurality of pressure sensors for measuring pressurewithin each of the plurality of air bladders, and wherein the at leastone pump and the at least one valve are selectively actuated by thecontroller.
 6. A ski boot adjustment system according to claim 5,wherein the plurality of air bladders include four air bladders disposedin a front foot region, an ankle region, a rear leg region, and a shinregion of the ski boot, and each of the four air bladders ismechanically coupled to an automated pump controlled by the controllerto selectively inflate the air bladders.
 7. A ski hoot adjustment systemaccording to claim 5, wherein the at least one triggering deviceincludes a remote triggering device separate and apart from the ski bootand in wireless communication with the controller, wherein thecontroller selectively actuates the adjustment mechanism based on acommunication from the remote triggering device.
 8. A ski bootadjustment system according to claim 7, wherein the adjustment mechanismincludes at least one gyroscope in communication with the controller formeasuring an orientation and a movement of the ski boot, and thecontroller is configured to monitor the orientation and the movement ofthe ski boot based on communication from the gyroscope, and toselectively actuate the adjustment mechanism based on at least one ofthe orientation or the movement.
 9. A ski boot adjustment systemaccording to claim 7, wherein the at least one triggering deviceincludes a mat containing a transmitter configured to emit anelectromagnetic signal receivable by the controller, and wherein thecontroller is configured to selectively actuate the adjustment mechanismresponsive to receipt of the electromagnetic signal, and based on acondition of the plurality of air bladders and at least one presetcondition.
 10. A ski boot adjustment system according to claim 9,wherein the present condition is at least one of a distance between theski boot and the transmitter in the mat or a time period during whichthe ski boot is within the distance of the transmitter in the mat.
 11. Aski boot adjustment system according to claim 7, wherein the at leastone triggering device includes a remote computing device which isseparate and apart from the ski boot and in wireless communication withthe controller, wherein the controller selectively actuates theadjustment mechanism based on a communication from the remote computingdevice.
 12. A ski boot adjustment system according to claim 11, whereinthe remote computing device is a smart phone operable by a user toselectively actuate, via wireless communication with the controller, theadjustment mechanism.
 13. A ski boot adjustment system according toclaim 12, wherein the smart phone is operable by the user to configurean initial pressure setting in at least one of the plurality of airbladders.
 14. A ski boot adjustment system according to claim 12,wherein the smart phone is operable by the user to reset a currentpressure setting in at least one of the plurality of air bladders to apreviously set pressure setting.
 15. A ski boot adjustment systemaccording to claim 12, wherein the smart phone is operable by the userto customize a trigger for actuating the adjustment mechanism based onat least one of an orientation of the ski boot or a particular movementof the ski boot.
 16. A ski boot adjustment system according to claim 1,wherein the adjustment mechanism includes at least one automatedadjustable strap selectively actuated by the controller.
 17. A ski bootadjustment system, comprising: an adjustment mechanism configured totighten and loosen a portion of a ski boot; and a triggering deviceoperatively disposed in a mat adjacent at least one of an entrance to abuilding or a parking location, wherein the triggering device actuatesthe adjustment mechanism.
 18. A method for tightening and loosening aski boot, comprising: setting, by a remote computing device in wirelesscommunication with a controller in a ski boot, a trigger which actuatesthe controller to actuate an adjustment mechanism in the ski boot,wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to tighten and loosen theski boot.
 19. A method for tightening and loosening a ski boot accordingto claim 18, wherein the trigger is at least one of an orientation ofthe ski boot or a movement of the ski boot.
 20. A method for tighteningand loosening a ski boot according to claim 19, wherein the triggerincludes a time period of at least one of the ski boot in theorientation or repeating the movement.